BF Auction: 1979 Chevrolet Camaro Z28

Bid to: $8,000View Result

  • Seller: MJ Auto Brokers of Winter Park
  • Location: Orlando, Florida
  • Mileage: 74,586 Shown
  • Chassis #: 1Q87L9l601353
  • Title Status: Clean

UPDATE – The seller has added a video of the car running. You can view it below.

Long-term ownership is a desirable attribute with any potential classic purchase. It allows buyers to gain insight into the car’s history and to ascertain how it has been treated for an extended period. That is the story behind this 1979 Chevrolet Camaro Z28. It presents well, has belonged to the same person for years, and is a solid and mechanically healthy turnkey proposition. The owner wants it to find a new home, listing it exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions.

Chevrolet’s Second Generation Camaro was reaching the end of its production life by the time our feature car rolled off the line. The company had most of the styling and specifications for the upcoming Third Generation models finalized for its release in 1982, and ongoing changes to vehicles like this were minor and mostly cosmetic. The first thing to consider with any classic from this era is how solid it is. This Camaro ticks that box because it is a rust-free pony car. The original owner ordered it in Code 75 Red, and it retains that shade with a healthy shine. There are a few minor imperfections, but none requiring immediate attention if the winning bidder wants to undertake some instant classic motoring fun. The panels are as straight as an arrow, with tight and consistent gaps. The car retains its crack-free original spoilers, and the glass looks spotless. Aftermarket additions include a set of period-appropriate wheels and a pop-up glass sunroof.

Ordering a 1979 Camaro Z28 brought the buyer a 350ci V8. This small-block produces 175hp and 270 ft/lbs of torque. The power feeds to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission, with power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes ensuring the driver doesn’t need to be a contender for the next Mister Universe competition to maneuver it successfully. The engine wears a few of Edelbrock’s best cosmetic enhancements but is otherwise original. The Z28 is in excellent mechanical health, running and driving perfectly. Upgrades to extract more power are readily available and affordable. This one already has a cam upgrade and headers, so not only should it have a great exhaust note, but it should also have some extra grunt. With a few more upgrades, it could be a serious performer, or leave it as is and have a fun driver. Would you fly in and drive it home? That’s a realistic option for the winning bidder.

Potential buyers will find little to criticize about this Camaro’s interior. The Black vinyl upholstered surfaces are free from rips and wear, and the carpet looks excellent. The pad exhibits one small crack that might be repairable, but there are no other visible flaws. The carpet hasn’t faded, and I see no evidence of crumbling plastic. The factory console has gone, although sourcing a replacement shouldn’t be challenging. The Hurst shifter should guarantee crisp ratio selections, and the aftermarket stereo provides entertainment on the move. This Z28 rolled off the showroom floor equipped with air conditioning. Some engine bay components are gone, but the parts are available to reinstate the system.

Later Second Generation Camaros, even the Z28, spent years in the wilderness as buyers focused on older or more recent examples. However, times change. A new generation of enthusiasts view cars of this nature as affordable entry points into the world of classic car ownership. This Z28 has no immediate needs, and its healthy bulletproof drivetrain should provide an entertaining driving experience. These factors combine to provide a compelling reason to pursue this Z28 further.

Bid On This Auction

High Bid: $8,000 (Reserve Not Met)
Ended: Sep 22, 2023 11:00am MDT
High Bidder: Joe L
  • Joe L bid $8,000.00  2023-09-15 09:09:44
  • billydawg bid $1,000.00  2023-09-14 19:42:18
  • RoadTripRevivals
    bid $500.00  2023-09-14 12:22:24

Comments

  1. Jim

    Wow, I haven’t seen Keystone mags for years!!

    Like 20
  2. Stan

    They look at home on this Camaro Jim.
    Bit too high mileage for Greg 🤔

    Like 5
    • Marshall Belcher

      Too high of mileage f9r a 79 model? I’ve heard it all now. Wow.

      Like 6
      • PRA4SNW

        Marshall, Greg is a regular contributor to BF that owns several very low mile Z28s of this generation.

        Like 2
  3. Robert Proulx

    A/c has been ripped out, all emissions torn out even the vaccum advance on the distributor aint hooked up so good luck to certify it if your state has an inspection program. Beyond that nice car though and fun to drive with the manual.

    Like 7
    • Jim

      Thank you. I’m looking for an unmolested vehicle. This has been gutted. Only worth half of a “collector value” based on condition.

      Like 3
  4. Big H

    The keystones make this Z-28 look fabulous and period correct…and a 4 speed…babe magnet…

    Like 12
    • Marshall Belcher

      Iooks good enought to put in a few Duke of hazards stunts..

      Like 1
  5. Davey Boy

    Keystone makes some of my favorite wheels. This looks great. Just how I like my hot rod. I would clean up under the hood, find a center console and upgrade the music but from the pics that would probably be all . Looks like fun ol

    Like 5
  6. Davey Boy

    P.S. I know most won’t agree with me but I really like the his and hers sunroof. As I’ve said in the past, I have one of those in my garage waiting for the right car to put it in.

    Like 3
  7. Shoeman68 Member

    Check the VIN to be sure it’s a true Z from either Ohio or Cali plants. Berlinetta’s can be masked very easily as Z’s. I put it at 10K, more if T-tops.
    I feel these car will get their respect in the coming years 78-81.

    Like 3
    • Patina Member

      It’s a real z California plant

      Like 3
    • Randy Stubbs

      The pop up roof kind of ruins it. At least it does for me. I had a 74 RS T-Top Camero, but for the life of me, can’t find another like it was. T-TOP would have been a correct choice for this one also.

      Like 4
  8. Cooter Cooter Member

    Wow, finally a nice vehicle without el’ cheapo Cooper tires for a change! When I first looked at this I thought it needed the Keystones removed and get the frontend back down. But the more I scroll through the pictures the more I like it as is. The sunroofs can be replaced with steel and painted, but for now who cares? It’s lobbing a pretty sweet lick also!

    Like 6
  9. Troy

    Nice car, I tried to buy one when I was a young stupid teenager about 19 on credit and couldn’t get approved for the loan looking back that was probably a good thing because I would have destroyed it being the type where when I drove my 77 Nova it only was under 80 mph when I was in the city.

    Like 3
    • rayburn

      Hey Troy, same thing happened to me as a 19-year-old, but it was a 1970 383 4 speed Challenger, $600 in 1979 or so. Loan company said my credit wasn’t established yet, I was heartbroken but now I think it was for the better that a lead foot teen like me back then couldn’t buy it. To make matters worse, on the way to work one day whoever bought it passed me like a blur! Never seen it again.

      Like 5
  10. rayburn

    I remember riding in a late 70s Z28 4 speed back in the early 80s, smooth ride and smooth power!

    Like 3
  11. C Force

    It looks great and sounds good,with a nice rough idle,probably want to add a vacuum canister for the brakes,the cam does sound like a vacuum robber,very clean,has a nice 80s vibe with the wheels,maybe add some ladder bars?

    Like 1
  12. KevieKev

    Wrong badge on grill, wrong badge on gas-fill door, and if I remember correctly, that trim around the instruments is wrong as well for a real Z28. They were a lot of fun to drive back then, as they were light and handled very well, but muscle car?? Nah. This one’s obviously been thru the mill. Judging by the rust on the driver’s door I’d say a re-spray is going to be a major expense. Wonder how the floor pans and quarters look underneath?

    Like 0

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